Construction for doors and like closures



April 19, 1955 A. KAMMERER 3 3 CONSTRUCTION FOR DOORS AND LIKE CLOSURES Filed July 25, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet l Aprl 1955 H. A. KAMMERER 2,706,543

CONSTRUCTION FOR DOOHS AND LIKE CLOSURES Filed July 25, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 19, 1955 A. KAMMERER CONSTRUCTION FOR DOORS AND LIKE CLOSURES 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 25, 1950 M a [fi &mentor (Ittorneg Unted States Patent O CONSTRUCTION FOR DOORS AND LIKE CLOSURES Harry A. Kammerer, Mount Verno, N. Y., assigor to H. A. Kammerer, Inc., Mount Vernon, N. Y., a corporatiou of New York I Application July 25, 1950, Serial No. 175,690

9 Claims. (Cl. 189-46) This invention relates to door construction and like closures.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a door or like built-up closure that will be practical, strong, and durable while at the same time capable of fabrication in a simple and speedy manner with a wide range of adaptability or flexibility to meet the various and varying conditions of practical use. More particularly, it is an object of this invention to provide a composite or built-up frame structure capable of receiving a wide variety of panels which, according to choice or need, are carried by the frame, either fixedly or semi-permanently, or for ready removability, interchangeability, or replacement.

Another object is to provide a Construction of the above-mentoned nature adapted to utilize metal frame elements of a cross-section constructed to facilitate strong and durable assembly and also to provide wide adaptabilty or fiexibility like that above metioned. More particularly, it is an object of this invention to provide a door of the above-mentioned nature in which strength and durability, as well as reliable resistance to sagging or warping when hung on its hinges, are achieved without sacrifice of speed and Simplicity of assembly and w-ith out imparment of wide adaptability.

Another object is to provide a door Construction built up of metal frame elements of a cross-section together with assembling or securing elements therefor, all of such a nature as to greatly lessen, if not entirely eliminate, need for any hand fitting of parts and as will require little, if anything, more than simple cutting off in the desired lengths for fitting and securing them together.

Another object is to provide a construction of the above-mentioned character utilizing hollow metal frame elements having cross-sections providing internal and external contours and shapes adapted to coact in the assembling and securing together thereof to form a frame, as well as in the mounting and assembling thereto of panel elements.

Another object is to provide a construction of the above-mentioned type in which the frame elements are of a cross-section to facilitate fabrication by extrusion, utilizing such metals as aluminum, aluminum alloys, or the like. r

Other objects will be in part obvious or in part pointed out herenafter.

The invention, accordingly, consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, arrangements of parts, and in the several steps and relation and order of each of the same to one or more of the others, all as will be illustratively described herein, and the scope of=the application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings in which is shown illustratively a preferred embodiment of this invention,

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a complete door, being partially broken away through one of the panels thereof,

Figure 2 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of principally the right-hand vertical frame element of the door of Figure 1 and as seen from the right in Figure 1, the frame element being broken away at intermediate parts thereof in order better to show its cross-section and the relationship thereto of cross frame elements and otther parts of the door, all of which are also broken away or only partially shown,

Figure 3 is a central vertical sectional view on a larger scale of the upper portion of the door, as seen along the line 3--3 of Figure 1, to show more clearly two types of cross frame elements and their assembly to the vertical frame elements, the rest of the door being shown partially in elevation and also broken away.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective, with certain of the broken away, showing more clearly the manner of assembly of the cross frame elements and vertical frame elements of Figure 3,

Figures 5 and 6 are isometric views of block-like positioning elements that coact in the assembly of cross frame elements and vertical frame elements,

Figure 7 is a horizontal sectional view on an enlarged scale, partially broken away, as seen along the line 7-7 of Figure 3,

Figure 8 is a part-ial horizontal cross-section on an enlarged scale, as seen along the line 8-8 of Figure 3,

Figure 9 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale, as seen along the line 9--9 of Figure 1,

Figure 10 is a fragnentary perspective view of a subpanel adapted to coact with the door frame,

Figure 11 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a frame like that shown in Figures 8 and 9, but showing how a different form, such as screening, of sheet material may be assembled thereto, and

Figure 12 is a sectional view like that of Figure ll showing how the frame may have assembled thereto and to the screening a reinforcing or protective element of large open mesh.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring first to Figure 1, the door frame comprises spaced vertical frame elements A and B and upper and lower horizontal frame elements C and D which are of identical cross-section, and where it is desired that the door frame be closed off with more than one panel, it also comprises one or more intermediate horizontal cross frame elements which in the drawings are illustratively shown as two in number, being identified by the reference characters E and F, to illustrate the subdivision of the door frame area into three panel areas; all of the frame elements are of metal, are hollow, and each is integral or unitary throughout its cross-section, being preferably fabricated by extrusion of a metal of alloy such as aluminum or aluminum alloys.

Frame elements A, C, B, and D are of identical crosssection, so that a detailed description of the cross-section of one of them will sufiice for all, and they comprise an appropriate length cut off square from the same extruded or smilarly cross-sectioned stock.

Accordingly, reference may first be made to Figure 4, where frame element A is shown broken away in order to show its cross-sectional configuration more clearly. The cross-section comprises two opposed parallel side walls 10 and 11 joined by two parallel end walls 12 and 13 to encompass a hollow interior, the cross-section of which is that of a right-angle parallelepiped, illustratively a rectangule.

The side wall 10 is extended beyond end wall 12 to form a flange 14, as is also side wall 11, but the extension of the latter is somewhat greater and at its outer end has an extension at right angles to it and parallel to and spaced from the end wall 12, thus forming an angled flange 15.

End wall 13 is of considerable thickness in order to accommodate two parallel, relatively deep, parallel-sided slots or grooves 16 and 17, of which slot 17 runs along about the center of wall 13 and slot 16 is close to the outer plane of the side wall 10 by a distance about equal to the thickness of the wall 10 itself. These slots thus form recesses each of uniform cross-section throughout its length, and they subdivide the end wall 13 into three rib-like longitudinal continuous elements projecting from the plane of the bottoms of the recesses or slots 16, 17. spaced inwardly from the outer plane of the other side wall 11 and projecting at right angles from the righthand rib-like part (Figures 4 and 2) adjacent the groove of recess 17 and in a direction away from the outer face of the wall 13 is a flange 18 which along its outer end has a ange 19 that extends parallel to the outer face of the wall 13 and terminates just about in line with the plane of the nearest wall of slot 17. The projecting rightangled flange 18-19 forms with the outer face of wall 13 a continuous, longitudinally extending pocket P which in the illustration is substantially square in cross-section but open along one side. There is thus provided in the frame elements A, B, C and D, projecting and recess means which extend externally and longitudinally there- The stock of such cross-section can be accurately and dependably extruded in substantial lengths, and it provides a section that is light but very strong and rigid and, moreover, is dependably resistant to torsional stresses. From it suitable lengths are cut off to form the four frame elements A, B, C, and D, care being taken to cut them off square, and they are secured together in a manner later described, by features of Construction and elements which are preferably also employed in securing intermediate cross frame elements, such as elements E and F, and, accordingly, before describing them, a preferred cross-section employable for the one or more cross frame elements that are to be used, will first be described. Again turning to Figure 4, there is shown a cross-section of cross frame element E, and a description of that one will sufice for such other cross frame elements as it is desired to employl The cross-section for the intermediate cross frame elements is also preferably hollow and comprises two spaced parallel side walls 20 'and 21 joined by two spaced parallel end walls 22 and 23 which are of substantial thickness and hold the side walls 20 and 21 apart so that the planes of their outer faces are spaced by the same distance as are the planes of the outer faces of the walls and 11 of the frame elements A, B, C, and D. The walls 20, 22, 21, and 23 encompass an interior space that in crosssection is a right-angle parallelepiped, illustratively a square.

In the upper end wall 22, and in substantially that half of it that is adjacent the side wall 20, is a relatively wide and deep groove or slot 24, and the other half of the wall 22 has upstanding therefrom and therealong a fiange 25 carrying a flange 26 at right angles to it and overlying the wall 22 to which-it is parallel, the right-angled fiange 25-26 being dimensioned the same as the right-angled flange 18-19 above described and forming with wall 22 a pocket P which is just like the pocket P above described in connection with frame element A.

The lower end wall 23, as seen in Figure 4, has a slot 27 extending therealong and substantially centrally thereof, corresponding substantially to the slot 17 of the other frame elements, and that half of the wall 23 that is nearer the side wall 21 has an integral right-angled flange 28-29, similarly dimensioned as is the right-angled flange 25-26, and with the wall 23 forms a continuous pocket P like the pocket P above described.

As is better shown in Figure 4, the fiange 18 of the frame element A, and the same is true of frame elements B, C, and D, is spaced inwardly from the plane of the outer face of the side wall 11, and the flange parts 25 and 28 of the intermediate frame elements are similarly spaced inwardly from the plane of the outer face of the side wall 21. Upon assembly of the various frame elements, these right-angled flanges, the'efore, can be brought into alignment and interfitted, as is later described, and

the setback thereof relative to the side face of the frame element adds to the appearance of the ultimate structure and visually breaks up the widths of the side faces of the frame elements.

The cross-section for the intermediate frame elements is also one that can be accurately extruded in fabrication, and from a stock of such cross-section, suitable lengths for the intermediate frame elements are cut off, care being taken that they be cut olf square. The cross-section is one thatis strong and rigid, as well as light, and it is strongly resistant to torsional stresses. Like the crosssection for the main frame elements, the ribs provided by the slots and the straight fianges and also the right-angled flanges, all contribute toward rigidity and good resistance to bending and to torsional stresses, for low or minimum weight of unit length.

In effecting assembly of the frame elements, it is preferred to employ locating and interlocking, flanged. blocklike elements that are to coact with adjoining or abutting frame members, and they, too, are preferably made of a cross-section that can be readily and accurately extruded so that from bar-like lengths of such extruded cross-section any desired number of suitable short lengths may be cut off square to provide these block-like elements. In

Figures 5 and 6 are shown in perspective two different lengths so cut off, but of the same cross-section, so a description of the cross-section of one suffices for the other. Accordingly, referring to either Figure 5 or Figure 6, where the cross-section is shown at the upper end of each member there shown, the extruded cross-section comprises a solid rectangular part 31 of a width equal to the inside spacing between the walls 10 and 11 (Figure 4), the inside spacing between walls 20 and 21 (Figure 4) of the intermediate cross frame elements being the same. Referring back to Figure 5 or Figure 6, the extruded crosssection furthermore comprises two parallel flanges 32 and 33 that project frorn one longitudinal face and these flanges 32 and 33 are dimensioned and spaced so as to be snugly receivable into the slots 16 and 17 of any of the frame elements A, B, C, or D and so that the openended recess formed between the spaced parallel flanges 32 and 33 receive snugly therein the rib-like part that extends between the longitudinally continuous recesses or slots 16 and 17 of the frame elements. Flange 32 extends flush with one side face of the extruded stock, and fiange 33 extends somewhat along the median plane of the extruded stock.

For positioning cross frame members C and D in proper relation to the upper and lower ends of the frame members A and B, as seen in Figure 1, four locating and interlooking block elements are cut off the just-mentioned extruded, bar-like stock in lengths equal to the inside spacing between the walls 12 and 13, and in Figure 6 one such block G is shown in perspective. For each intermediate cross frame element, two locating and interlocking blocks of shorter length are cut off, the length being equal to the inside spacing between the walls 22 and 23 (Figure 4), and in Figure 5 one such block J so cut ofi is shown in perspective. Through the center of each block G and I is drilled a good-sized hole H which happens to intersect and cut away part of the flange 33.

At each place along the length of the vertical frame members A and B where the several cross frame elements are to abut against them, the right-angled fiange 18-19 is cut away in any suitable manner for a length equal to the width of the cross frame member; and in Figure 4, with respect to the frame member A, the ange 18-19 is shown cut away at two places-namely, at 35 and at 36-so that the squared-otf ends of the wider cross frame part C and of the narrower intermediate cross frame part E can abut squarely and flush against the outer face of the wall 13 which is interrupted by the slots 16 and 17 into which are inserted the fianges 32 and 33, respectively, of the block parts G and J, the latter being positioned intermediate of the ends of the gaps or spaces formed by cutting away the flange 18-19, as above described.

These locating and interlocking blocks G and J, with the holes H therein, are positioned along the slots 16 and 17 so that the holes H therein register with previously located and drilled holes K drilled through the walls 13 of the two vertical frame parts A and B (see Figures 3 and 7), and the blocks G and J, so located, are preferably secured in position, as by suitable pins or selfthreading screws friction-fitted or forced into suitably drilled smaller holes that extend through the blocks and into the thick portions of the wall 13 (Figure 4) to either side of the slot 17; in the drawings these pins or screws are indicated at 38.

With blocks G or blocks G and J so positioned along the frame element A and with the respective holes H and K registering, rods R, threaded at each end, are inserted through the registering holes H, K, and through the hollow space in the frame part A, nuts N (Figures 3 and 7) are interengaged with the threaded rods R; the nuts N are preferably square, fit loosely between the walls 10 and 11 of the frame element A, which prevents them from turning, so that interengagement is preferably effected by manually turning rod R relative to the nut N, in each case.

Onto the rods R are then strung, so that the rods pass through the hollow interior thereof, the cross frame elements that are to be employed, which in the illustration (Figure 1) comprise the cross frame parts C, E, F, and D whose left-hand ends, as viewed in Figures 1, 3, 4, and 7, snugly take over the block parts G-J and J-G, respectively, that are secured and positioned to frame part A, as above described, the squared-off ends of the cross frame parts C, E, F, and D abutting fiatwise against the face of the wall 13 in those regions where the rightangled flange 18-19 had been cut away, as above described, and the ends of the fianges 19 of the cross frame parts C and D and the ends of the flanges 26 of the intermediate cross frame parts E and F being suitably cut away, as indicated at S in Figure 4, for the flange 26, so that the pocket P of each right-angled flange joins with that of the adjacent frame member to form a continuous pocket P around the four sides of the open panel formed by any four joined-together frame parts. Where three panel openings are formed, as illustrated in Figure 1, each of the three panel openings, therefore, has such a continuous pocket P about its internal periphery, the pocket P opening toward the observer viewing Figure 1 or viewing Figure 3.

If any one or more of these panel openings is to be permanently or semi-permanently closed with a sheet material such as a sheet of metal, llustratively alumnun or aluminum alloy, a suitable square or rectangle thereof is cut and at the above stage of assembly is now interfitted with vertical frame element A and with the two cross frame elements that the the upper and lower boundary of the panel to be so closed. In Figure l it is assumed that the lowermost panel between frame elements A, F, B, and D is to be closed with such sheet material, which is there indicated by the reference character T.

The rigid member T is cut wider and longer than the panel opening by amounts equal to twice the depth of the slots 17 and 27, and is of a thickness equal to the width of these slots. The closure sheet T, frame part B not yet being in place, can be slid into position along the slot 27 of member F (see also Figure 9) and slot 17 of frame member D, and its left-hand end (Figure 1) fitted into slot 17 of vertical frame part A.

Assuming for purposes of illustration that the other panel openings are to be otherwise closed of, in preferred manners described later, the assembly may now be further proceeded with and the other vertical frame element B, carrying the locating and interlocking blocks G and J, all properly mounted and positioned in frame element B in respective juxtaposition to the blocks G and J in the frame member A, is now brought edgewise (see Figure 4) toward the four cross frame parts C, E, F, and D so that the locating blocks G-J and J-G of frame part B respectively enter these cross frame parts and the righthand threaded ends of the four rods R enter the registered holes H, K. The rods R are of such a length that their just-mentioned right-hand threaded ends terminate (see Figure 7) just about mdway between the end walls 12 and 13 of the frame member B, and each is now ready to receive a tightening nut.

Where a closure sheet T is employed, assembly of frame part B brings the right-hand margin of sheet T into slot 17 of part B.

As is shown in detail in Figure 7, and indicated also in Figures 3, 4, and 2, is provided a hole V in wall 12 of frame member B, one for each hole K and coaxial therewith, but of larger diameter; through the hole V a long sleeve-like nut W (Fgures 7 and 3), closed and slotted at its outer end as indicated at 41, may be slid and turned with a screwdriver to thread in onto the end of the rod R to clamp between its inner end and the nut N on the other end thereof the two heavy or thick walls 13 of the vertical frame parts A and B flatwise and squarely against the squared-of ends of whatever cross frame element C, E, F, or D happens to be strung on that particular rod R. Figure 7 shows cross frame element C so clamped. In each case the slotted end face of nut W is fiush with the outer face of the wall 12 of vertical frame part B; it preferably fit snugly into the holeV in the wall 12 and thus closes the hole and also reinforces the support or fastening of the frame part B to the others.

Thus the cross frame parts are once and for all clamped in proper position between the vertical frame parts; the operations of assembly are speedily carried out, and ,the various frame elements and parts and their slots and flanges become vrtually self-aligned one with respect to the other. Thus the locating blocks G and J, through their flanges 32 and 33 which enter the slots 16 and 17 in the vertical frame members, are automatically aligned with each other and also positioned with their vertical side faces (as viewed in Figures 5 and 6 and also as seen in Figure 4) at the correct horizontal spacing from the outer faces of the walls and 11 of the vertical frame parts. Accordngly, when the cross frame parts have their ends entered over the blocks which snugly v and neatly fit the interier hollow cross-sections, the respective side faces of the cross frame parts at once fall into the same planes, respectively, of the side faces of the vertical frame parts. Moreover, no cross frame part can tilt or warp or be forced out of such alignment, for the end of each is interfitted with a locating block and the latter in turn, through its flanges, is interfitted with the slots of the vertical frame part, and torsional stresses cannot throw or force the faces and parts out of alignment.

Nor can relative vertical movement take place between a vertical frame part and a cross frame part; the pins or screws 38 which initially locate and position the blocks, hold the latter against Vertical displacement and that action is very materially renforced by the clamping rods R which snugly fit into the registering holes H and K in the blocks in the heavy walls 13 of the vertical frame parts, and the rods R thus interject their own resistance to shear in resisting relative vertical displacement between the blocks and the vertical frame parts.

Where the structure is to be hinged to swing about a vertical axis, like a door, with the hinges Secured to one of the vertical frame members, dependable resistance to sagging of the frame is achieved by the above-described Construction; with the cross frame members cut off square and their respective squared-off ends dependably held in abutting relation to the heavy inner end walls of the vertical frame parts A and B, the right-angled relation between the cross frame parts and vertical frame parts is dependably maintained not only by the clamping construction and action above described, but also by the dependable cantilever action of each cross frame part, an action aided by the peculiar cross-sections thereof in resisting bending or deflecton, supplemented further by the coaction of the rod that goes through the hollow space in each cross member. In this latter connection, the clamping nut places each rod in tension and the over-all clamping effect on each cross member is one to place each cross frame longtudinally in compression, with the result that the cantilever effect in resisting sag is greatly enhanced.

In Figure 2 is shown the vertical frame element B of Figure 1 with hinges attached, in a manner later described, and with the several cross frame members C, E, F, and D extending away from and at right angles to the hinge-carrying frame part B, thus clearly depicting the cantilever arrangement and action above described and showing also the composite character of each cantilever structure in that the rod R, coacting with each, is also clearly shown.

Accordngly, when used as a door, the structure can dependably carry panels of substantial strength or weight, if necessary; for example, ordinary sheet glass has considerable weight; but with the structure above described, t s possible to provide a wide range of flexibility or adaptation to various types of closures for the panel openngs. As illustrative of one type of closure for the panels, a sheet metal closure T has already been described above, it being noted that that is fitted into the aligned slots 17 and 27 of the frame parts that form the panel opening, and as described with reference to panel opening formed by frame members A, F, B, and D, the other panel openmgs, it will now be clear, can be closed in similar manner by so seating, during assembly, a suitable sheet material in the corresponding registering slots. Where, however, a panel is to be closed by glass, it is preferred to mount the sheet of glass in an auxiliary frame that is preferably detachably mounted in the panel opening or openings. Illustratively, let it be assumed that the uppermost panel is so to be closed.

In Figures 1 and 3 is shown the upper panel closed by a sheet of glass 42 carried by an auxiliary frame 43 made up of four frame elements, preferably of metal, and constructed in any suitable way to be sep'arable for ease of replacement of the glass pane therein should it become broken. Illustratively, the cross-section of the parts of the frame 43 may be substantially H-shaped as indicated in Figures 8 and 9, providing a form of nternal grooving of the frame for receiving the sheet of glass 42 packed or gasketed therein in any suitable way, as by rubber packing 44. The thickness of the frame 43 is preferably less than the distance between the plane of the edge of flange 19 and the plane of the inner wall of the slot 16, as appears better in Figure 8; this is also less than the width of the slot 24 in the upper wall of the intermediate cross frame part E or F, as is better indicated in Figure 9, 'in order that the lower element of frame 43 may seat freely in slot 24.

As above noted, the pocket P is continuous about each panel opening, facing toward the observer viewing Figures 1 and 3. Where a frame glass closure like the closure panel 42-43 is to be employed, this continuous pocket P is filled with a relatively soft-rubber elongated element 45 (Figures 8 and 9) which, where the pocket P is square in cross-section, is of slightly greater square cross-section so that it may in efect be squeezed into the pocket P throughout the extent of the latter, being held therein by its own elasticity and slightly protruding therefrom and beyond the edge of the flange 19 or the flange 29, as the case may be. Accordingly, it forms a cushion and a peripherally continuous seal With the side face of the frame 43 when the latter is set first into= groove 24 and then swung into the panel opening and against the projecting rubber element 45. The frame 43 is removably held against the peripheral gasket 45, with the latter in substantial compression, by xing the frame 43 against material movement away from the pocket forming flanges, and this may be achieved by manually operable latches L provided in the vertical parts of the frame 43, being secured thereto for horizontal sliding movement by metal straps 46 riveted or otherwise secured to the vertical parts of the frame 43. In this manner the latches L (see particularly Figure 8) are manually movable horizontally along a path that ente's their free ends directly into the slots 16 in the vertical side frame elements A and B.

Any suitable means may be employed to releasably hold the slidable latch members L in projected position and, as indicated in Pigure 8, the latch member L may be provided with a centrally positioned, longitudinally extending slot 47 into which projects a knob-like projection 48 formed as by punching or displacing some of the metal of the strap 46. The projection 48 limits the range of movement of the latch L and holds it against being slid out of the strap 46, and it can coact with the ends of the slot to hold the latch in either position by a wedging or jamming action that is easily undone by manually pushing or pulling on the latch L. Two or more of such latch constructions are used on each of the vertical side frame parts of the frame 43 to hold the latter assembled to the door and in position to close the panel opening in the door structure. By the latch construction the panel may be easily removed or replaced by a similar frame 43 having mounted therein any other suitable form of sheet material, such as wire or other mesh material, to form a screen or the like, and an illustrative embodiment of which is later described. In any such case the inserted panel is securely held in position not only by the latches L, but also by the coaction therewith of the rubber cushioning and gasket member 45 which aids to form a seal and also coacts to avoid looseness or rattling.

As above described, because of the cross-sections of t the frame elements, each panel opening in the built-up frame has a peripherally extending, open pocket P which, as also above described, can receive a rubber or like cushioning or gasket member such as the member 45 above described, but for any panel opening such pocket P can also be utilized for securing therein some other type of closing sheet material, such as screening or mesh of wire or other material. Illustratively, the panel opening formed by the frame elements A, E, B, and F may be closed ofl by a screen material of appropriate mesh, indicated in Figures l and 9 by the reference character 51. A rectangular sheet of mesh material 51 is cut sufciently larger than the panel opening so that it peripherally more than overlaps the fianges that form the peripherally continuous pocket P, whereupon suitable lengths of rod-like material, which may be metallic or non-metallc and indicated at 52 in Figure 9, are thrust over the mesh material 51 and into the reaches of the pocket P to give the mesh material 51 suitable tautness and to secure it in panel-closing position. As is better shown in Figure 9, the rods 52, when so thrust into the pocket P with the border portions of the screen material 51 ahead of it, become more or less enveloped so that the rods and the thicknesses of the mesh material become securely wedged between the walls of the pocket.

Any one or more of the panel openings in the frame may be so closed by mesh material. If it is desired to close over the latter with glass or like material, a frame of suitable length and breadth is built up, just like the frame 43 above described that carries the glass 42 (Figures 1 and 10), and is also provided with latches L and as so constructed is set into the panel opening in the same manner as the frame 42-43, the latch members L entering the slots 16 of the vertical frame elements A and B. Such a structure, so closing the panel area A-E -B F, is shown in Figures l, 3, and 9, where the sheet of glass is indicated at 53 and the frame at 54.

It is possible, however, to make the screen element readily removable, and in such case a frame like the frame 43 of Figure 10, or the frame 54 of Figure 9, is made up of four separable frame parts, and instead of seating a sheet of glass in the internal frame recess, screening material like the material 51 above described may be employed, as is indicated at 55 in Figure 11, where the surplus margnal portions of the screen material 55 are wedged into the frame groove or recess by rods 56 in the same manner in which the rods 52 of Figure 9 hold the screen material 51 assembled to the frame parts that form the continuous pocket P. Such a screencarrying frame, provided with latches L on its vertical [rame pieces, can be detachably assembled to any of the panel openings in the door frame, as, for example, in the uppermost panel opening A-C--B-E, in which case it becomes interchangeable with the glass-carrying panel 42-43.

Where desired, the screening material may be supplemented or reinforced by a material of suitably heavy expanded sheet metal or of suitably heavy wire, largesized mesh, as is indicated at 57 in Figures l and 9, and at 57 in Figure 12. The material 57 is simply cut to the desired size, which is somewhat greater than the actual panel opening so that it will overlie or overlap the peripheral flange that forms a wall of the continuous pocket 01' g'oove, and when the fine-mesh screen material and clamping rods are pressed and wedged into the pocket, the material 57 is also held in place. Also, it may be so dimensioned that a peripheral portion of it is also xsvdged by the wedging action of the clamping rod 52 or The flange-like extensions 14 and 15 (Figures 2, l, and 4) of the frame elements A, C, B, and D will be seen to provide two spaced and substantially peripherally continuous, narrow edge faces for seating against or into the space or frame (such as a door frame) into which the structure is to be set or, if hinged, into or out of which it is to swing. These two narrow edge faces provide better seating engagement, and particularly when the structure functions as a hinged door, better sealing contact with the stationary door frame is achieved, all of which is aided by making the flanged part 15 project slightly farther than the flanged part 14. This latter feature gives the complete door or frame the effect of a peripheral taper which aids in entering the door, as it swings closed, into the frame that forms the door open ing. These flanged extensions, moreover, also coact in the mounting of the hinges, of which three are indicated in Figure 2, each by the reference character X and each comprising two plates that pivot relative to one another about a hinge pin which is usually removable.

To locate and mount the hinges, illustratively to the vertical frame clenent B, the right-angled fiange 15 is cut or milled off flush with the outer face of the wall 12 at each of the locations where the hinges are to be placed. each throughout a distance exactly equal to the length of one of the hinge plates. A hinge plate of each of the several hinges is thus snugly and neatly set into the respective gaps thus formed, it rests fiush and flatwise against the outer face of the wall 12, and its vertical edge abuts snugly against the inside face of the flange 14 which projects by an amount just about equal to the thickness of the hinge plate. The several hinges thus become not only accurately located, but coaxially aligned with precision and great facility. Any suitable means may then be employed to fasten each hinge plate to the vertical frame part and, preferably and Conveniently, holes are drilled through the wall 12 to correspond to the several holes provided in the hinge plates, whereupon bolts 60 (see Figure 3) are put through the registering holes With the nuts at the inside face of the frame wall 12, the nuts being slid into position through the hollow interior of the frame part; with the heads of the bolts slotted for application of a screwdriver, the bolts are easily tightened up and the hinges secured in place. Most Conveniently, of course, the hinges are attached to the vertical frame part before the latter is assembled to the other frame elements.

Each hinge plate, aligned with the rest by the projecting flange 14, is in eEect held against tilting in its own plane by the upper and lower ends of the strong rightangled flange 15 which snugly abut the upper and lower edges of the hinge plate. By such coactions as these, the screws or bolts 60 are materially relieved of shear stresses. It will thus be seen that the hinges are easily and speedily mounted in position with accuracy of alignment and that the door becomes dependably hung for nicety of swing or hinging action.

The opposite vertical frame member A lends itself for ease and convenience in mounting any suitable form of lock or latch Construction, generally indicated in Figure 1 at 61, since the outside face of the Wall provides an ample flat area against which to apply, as by screws or bolts, the casing of the lock, and the two opposed walls 10 and 11 are not only easily drilled for screws or bolts, but also for the passage therethrough of the lock spindle for taking an external handle.

As will be seen from the drawings, the mounting of the structure as a door is such that the various semipermanent or latch-held and removable panels are accessible only from the inside face of the door and that the outside face of the door presents a nice appearance because it is made up of the flat faces of thevseveral vertical and cross frame elements, With each panel opening in effect framed peripherally by the inwardly set, rightangled flanges 18-19 and 25-26 that form at their reverse side the peripherally continuous pocket P above described. While this arrangement of right-angled flanges framing each panel opening aids in weather-proofing the structure, it is preferred to provide in those panel openings where panel frames are removably Secured, suitable means for running off rain-water that might get into the groove-like seats in which these latch controlled panels are removably seated. Accordingly, at suitable points lengthwise of the intermediate cross frame parts E and F, holes 63 (Figures 4 and 9) are drilled in the wall that forms the bottom of the wide groove or slot 24 in which the removable panels rest. The groove 24 thus serves as a gutter or channel to catch rain-water or the like which then runs through the holes 63 into the nterior of that particular cross frame piece, where it runs along a rounded groove or slot 64 (Figures 4 and 9) that extends longitudnally in the upper side of the wall 23 of the cross frame element. Groove 64 thus forms a channel that extends interiorly through the entire length of the cross frame piece and, as is better seen in Figure 9, it passes in under the locating and interlocking blocks J that project into the opposite ends of the cross frame piece. By drilling holes in the vertical end walls 13 of the vertical frame pieces A and B, as indicated at 65, Figure 4, to be in alignment with the open ends of the channel 64, the water carried by the latter passes through the holes 65 and into the interior of the vertical frame parts A and B, and since the latter are hollow and open at their lower ends, the water discharges as is better shown in Figure 9 in assembled relaton and as is better shown in Figure 4 in course of ass'embly of the parts, the blocks JJ, in telescopically receiving thereover the hollow squared-of ends of the cross-frame members E, F bring into and fixed registry of the rounded groove or slot 64 with the drilled holes 65 in the end walls of the vertical frame members A, B and the clamping rods R through the cross-frame members E maintain that registry and directly clamp the hollow end faces of members E against the wall faces in which the drilled holes 65 are exposed, thus insuring flow of water from the groove 64 through the holes 65 for discharge through the hollow vertical frame parts A and B.

It will thus be seen that there has been provided in this invention a Construction in which the several objects heretofore set forth, together with many thoroughly practical advantages, are successfully achieved. Facility and accuracy of assembly are achieved, together with strength, rigidity, and durability of the door Construction, and at the same time a wide flexibility or adaptability to meet various requirements of practical use is made possible. In this latter connection, the panel openings may be closed by various forms of closure elements, such as glass, sheet metal, screening, and the like, and the various parts of the frame structure that mount or support these closures also coact to achieve a substantial range of flexibility of Construction.

For example, the peripherally continuous pocket P in the panel openings, it will be seen, can serve various purposes; it can serve to coact as fastening means in the retenton of screening material, or to receive and hold gasketing or cushioning material for scaling or antirattling purposes, all as illustratively set forth above. Slots 16 in the vertical frame members can coact With the flanges that form the 'pocket P in that they receive the latch members L that hold the cushioning or gasketing material in the pocket P under compression, as seen in the upper part of Figure 9; whereas slots 17 in the various frame members, where they receive a sheet closure member like the member T, as shown in the lower part of Figure 9, can coact to so position the member T as to close off the open side of the pocket P, or, if the pocket' P is filled with a gasketing material like the part 45 earlier above mentioned, the slots 17 hold the sheet or plate member T, particularly if the latter is a bit loose in the slot, in a position to maintain the gasketing material under compression so that its elasticity cushions or seals oif the member T, peripherally, and also prevents any rattlng.

Moreover, the Construction makes possible the ready manufacture of a Wide range of sizes of door with or without a wide range of number of panel openings and panel closures, depending upon where it is desired to use any, or one or more, intermediate cross frame members. The desired lengths of frame elements are simply cut off square from the extruded stock and the cross frame members, including the intermediate cross frame members when employed, are properly located with great facility relative to the vertical frame members and Secured in position, all as above described, the slots 16-17 in the vertical frame members A and B, whatever the length of the latter, and whatever is to be the vertical spacing between the cross frame members, always providing quick positioning and assembly therealong of the locating and interlocking blocks G, or G and J, whose flanges 32-33 fit into the slots 16-17 and eect proper alignment of the block or blocks for any selected position thereof lengthwise of the vertical frame members.

Preparation of the selected lengths of frame members to make up a door, after cutting to the desired lengths, involves simply and speedy Operations, principally the drilling of a few holes (for the clamping rods R), milling or cutting away sections of flange parts, all rectilinear (such as the flange 15 for locating the hinges or the right-angled flange 18-19 in the vertical frame members to accommodate the ends of the cross frame members), and securing the blocks G, or G and I, in position to the vertical frame members. After such Operations, the several parts are readily assembled and hand fitting of one to another need not be resorted to.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the above invention and as many changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter hereinbefore set forth, or shown in the accompanying drawings, is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limting sense.

I claim:

l. A Construction of the character described comp'rising parallel spaced vertical frame members and parallel spaced upper and lower and at least one intermediate cross frame members to form at least two panel openings, said frame members being hollow and formed by integral opposed end walls and side walls defining in cross-section a right-angle parallelogram, all of said frame members having integrally formed therewith and projecting from the facing end walls thereof that form the panel openings a right-angled flange and having groove means, both extending longitudnally along said facing end walls, said cross frame members being squared of at their ends to abut against the two facing end walls and bridge over the groove means thereof of the vertical frame members and the right-angled flanges of the latter being cut away to accommodate said squared-off ends of said cross frame members, the groove means of the vertical frame members comprising two spaced parallel narrow grooves of which the one nearest to the right-angled flange is aligned with the edge of the latter and the groove means of the lower end wall of the intermediate cross frame member comprising at least one narrow groove aligned with the edge of the right-angled flange and the groove means of the upper end wall of the intermediate member comprising a wide groove aligned with the edge of the rightangled flange thereof, a plurality of blocks on said vertical frame members, one block for each abutting end of said cross frame members and each block having an aligning portion slidably received in at least one of the parallel narrow grooves of the groove means of its associated vertical frame member whereby it is aligned therewith and may be slid therealong for locating it lengthwise thereof and having another portion cross-sectioned to match the hollow at the end of its associated cross frame member which fits over it whereby the block holds the cross frame member against transverse shift relative to the Vertical frame member and thereby aligns the rightangled fianges about each panel opening and the groove means of each frame member forming the panel opening, means for securing each block to its vertical frame member in selected position lengthwise thereot and to prevent shift thereof lengthwise of the groove means of the latter and thereby fix paircd juxtaposed locations along the vertical frame members to telescopically receive thereover the ends of the cross frame members and into abutting relation to the vertical frame members, said rightangled fianges of said frame members as aligned by said blocks forming a peripheral substantially continuous open pocket about each panel opening forned by said frame members, closure means for said openings and coacting with said algned right-angied fianges to close off said openings, and means, one for each cross frame member and each Operating independently of the blocks that enter the hollow ends of the latter, extending through the hollow cross frame member and through the facing end walls of said vertical frame members for subjecting to longitudinal compression the cross frame member between the facing end walls of the vertical frame members.

2. A construction as claimed in claim 1 in which the closure means for the lower of said panel openings comprses a panel having its marginal portion seated in the aligned narrow grooves of the groove means of the four frame members that form the opening whereby it is held ir alignment with said aligned right-angled fianges.

3. A construction as claimed in claim 1 in which the closure means for the upper of said panel openings is seated in the wide groove of the intermediate cross frame member and is provided with a plurality of manually operable latch means engageable into the groove means of opposed block-aligned frame members.

4. A construction as claimed in claim l in which the closure means for one of said panel openings comprises a panel having means at opposed marginal portions thereof receivable in grooves of the groove means of at least two opposed frame members that form the panel opening, with a substantially ing material peripherally interposed between the panel and said aligned right-angled flanges and received in the said substantially continuous peripheral poeket thereof( 5. A construction as claimed in claim 1 in which the closure means for gne of said panel openings comprises an open-mesh screen having marginal portions overlying said aligned right-angled flanges which are carried into said continuous peripheral pocket and wedged against the walls thereof by red-like elements entered sidewise into said pocket and an impervious panel closure member receivable into said opening and flatwise against said open-mesh screen and having means coacting with the block-algned groove means of at least two opposed frame members for holding it in position.

6. A construction of the character described comprising spaced vertical frame members and intervening crossframe members, each of said frame members being of hollow extruded stock and having unitary opposed end walls and side walls defining a right-angle parallelogram, said cross frame members being squared off at their ends to abut against the two facing end walls of the vertical frame members, all of said frame members having procontinuous sealing and cushionjecting and recess means extending externally and longitudinally along tacng end walls thereof that form a frame opening between the frame members, at least one of the facing end walls of the vertical frame members having a water-drainage aperture at the abutment thereagainst of a cross-frame member, a plurality of blocks on said vertical frame members, one block for each abutting end of said cross-frame members and each block being selectably postionable along and externally of its vertical frame member in that each block has a portion that faces toward said projecting and recess means for slidable guiding coaction therewith, whereby also a block is positionable in coacting relation to said aperture, and each block having another portion cross-sectioned to snugly receive there'over the hollow squared-off end of its associated cross-frame member and bring the hollow end into abutting relation to the vertical frame member, a clamping rod, one for each cross-frame member, that passes through the hollow interior of the cross-frame member and has its ends passed through aligning holes provided in the blocks and in the facing end walls for clamping the cross-frame member between the vertical frame members and to hold the cross-frame member that abuts adjacent said Water-drainage aperture in the said facing end wall in coacting relation to said aperture for the d'ainage, through said aperture and into the hollow vertical frame member, of water from the recess means of the cross-frame member, and closure means in the shape of a right-angle parallelogram for said frame opening formed between the frame members and having means coacting with projecting and recess means of the frame opening for holding it in closing position.

7. A construction as claimed in claim 6 in which said aperture in said facing end wall of the vertical frame member is located in juxtaposition to the hollow interior of the adjacently abutting cross-frame member and has communication therewith, the upwardly exposed recess means of said cross-frame member having a passage through the bottom thereof into the interior of the crossframe member for drainage of water from said recess means thereof into the interior of the cross-frame member from which it passes through said aperture for discharge into the hollow interior of the vertical frame member.

8. A construction as claimed in claim 7 in which said communication is formed by a-passage between the interior bottom wall of said hollow cross-frame member and the adjacent portion of the block that enters the cross-frame member, whereby water drainage can bypass said block and enter the vertical frame member via said aperture.

9. A construction as claimed in claim 7 in which said communication is provided by an extnded groove extending lengthwise in the upper side of the bottom wall of the cross-frame member and forms a water by-pass past the snugly interfitted portion of the block that is received into the cross-frame member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 985,912 Lindros Mar. 7, 1911 1,138,105 Hegstedt May 4, 1915 1,158,378 Fullerton et al. Oct. 26, 1915 1,270,013 Conwell June 18, 1918 1,799,423 Hubbert Apr. 7, 1931 2,013,412 Koenig et al Sept. 3, 1935 2,105,705 Spathelf Jan. 18, 1938 2,322,700 Mussey June 22, 1943 2,504,204 Kiefer Apr. 18, 1950 2,506,978 Unterberger May 9, 1950 2,605,869 Backman Aug. 5, 1952 2,644,554 Katz July 7, 1953 

